The
genome 基因组 jī
yīn zǔ is the complete set of genes 基因 jī
yīn. The human genome 人类基因组 rén
lèi jī yīn zǔ is made up of 23 separate pairs (or 46)
chromosomes 染色体 rǎn
sè tǐ. The
genetic material in the chromosomes 染色体 rǎn
sè tǐ determine the traits
(characteristics) of the individual. For example, a human being
who has a pair of XX chromosomes is a female. The male human has a
X chromosome and a Y chromosome. See also DNA.